What Toner Does the HP LaserJet Pro M402n Use?

by Last Updated:

The HP LaserJet Pro M402n is a monochrome laser printer that uses the HP 26A (CF226A) standard-yield toner cartridge or the HP 26X (CF226X) high-yield toner cartridge. The cartridge has an integrated drum, so there is no separate drum unit to replace.

CastleScore · October 2026

83/100 — Highly Recommended

HP LaserJet Pro M402n

Pillar (weight)ScoreWhat it is based on
Owner ratings (28%) 88 4.50★ average across 1,001 ratings at Amazon (4.4), Best Buy Marketplace (4.6)
Expert reviews (20%) — No published numeric expert score we could verify.
Cost per page (18%) 88 About 0.9¢ per page all-in with our compatible 26X toner (9,000 pages; the drum is built in). Docked because firmware can reject non-HP toner.
Reliability (18%) 90 No recurring hardware or connection complaints in owner reviews.
Features (11%) 49 Ethernet, fast (20+ ppm). No document feeder, no auto two-sided printing, no fax, no touchscreen.
Value (5%) 88 Running cost and owner satisfaction

Limited data: We could not find enough published expert scores for this printer, so that weight is spread across the other pillars.

Discontinued. HP no longer sells the M402n new; its product page links to the LaserJet Pro M404n as the newer model. This score rates it for current owners.

CastleScore is Castle Ink’s own editorial rating, built from retailer star ratings, expert reviews, real cost per page and owner complaint patterns, checked October 7, 2026. It is not a customer review. See every ranked printer or how the score works.

The toner, pictured

Our own toner, photographed in-house.

HP 26A & 26X Toner at a Glance

Consumable Part Number Page Yield Type
Black Toner HP 26A (CF226A) ~3,100 pages Standard
Black Toner HP 26X (CF226X) ~9,000 pages High Yield

The HP 26A/26X (CF226A/CF226X) is also compatible with other HP models including the HP LaserJet Pro M402d, M402dn, M402dw, M402dne, MFP M426dw, MFP M426fdn, and MFP M426fdw, making it a high-volume cartridge family that is widely stocked in genuine, remanufactured, and compatible versions.

How to Replace the Toner

  1. Open the front cover of the printer.
  2. Pull out the used HP 26A or 26X cartridge.
  3. Unbox the new cartridge and rock it gently 5–6 times to distribute the toner. Original HP 26A cartridges remove their seal automatically when installed; if a compatible cartridge has a pull tab or seal strip, remove it before installing.
  4. Slide the new cartridge in until it clicks into place.
  5. Close the cover. The printer will recognize the new cartridge automatically.

Troubleshooting Tips

  • "Replace Toner" or low-toner warning: HP cartridges report level via chip. If a known-good cartridge shows a low or non-genuine warning, power-cycle the printer and check that its setting allowing non-HP cartridges is turned on. Don't update the firmware to fix it: on the M402, newer firmware is the main reason compatible toner gets rejected.
  • Faded or streaky prints: Gently rock the toner cartridge side-to-side to redistribute toner, then reinstall. Run the printer's built-in cleaning page from the maintenance menu to clear fuser residue.
  • Print quality declining over time: Because the drum is integrated, replacing the toner cartridge installs a fresh drum at the same time — no separate drum service required.
  • Paper jams or smudges: Inspect the paper path and pickup roller for wear. Replacing worn rollers and keeping the printer dust-free prevents repeated print-quality issues.

What LaserJet Pro M402n owners ask

These are the questions that come up most for this printer on retailer Q&A pages, HP's support forum and owner reviews, answered in our words.

My compatible toner stopped working. Why?

Newer M402 firmware rejects cartridges with non-HP chips. Technicians suggest turning on the printer's setting that allows non-HP cartridges, not installing further firmware updates, or using cartridges with updated chips. One names firmware 2021118 as a version that restored third-party toner.

Do I need to buy a separate drum?

No. The drum is built into the HP 26A and 26X cartridge, so every new toner cartridge brings a fresh drum with it.

Does the M402n have Wi-Fi?

No. It connects by Gigabit Ethernet or USB 2.0 only.

Can it print two-sided automatically?

No. The M402n does manual two-sided printing through the driver, where you reload the stack. Models with a "d" in the name, such as the M402dn, flip the page automatically.

How much paper can it hold?

A 100-sheet Tray 1 plus a 250-sheet Tray 2. An optional 550-sheet Tray 3 brings the total to 900 sheets.

LaserJet Pro M402n quirks worth knowing

  • The M402n is the basic trim of the M402 line: no automatic duplex and no wireless. The same 26A/26X toner fits the M402dn, M402dw, M402dne and the MFP M426fdn/fdw.
  • Original HP 26A cartridges use HP's JetIntelligence design: the seal pulls itself when you install the cartridge, the toner is a low-melt formula, and HP adds what it calls "anti-fraud technology" to the chip.
  • It is built for volume. HP rates it for up to 80,000 pages a month, and it prints up to 40 pages a minute on letter paper.
  • A 2023 HP firmware update for LaserJet Pro 400-series printers was reported to stop them identifying compatible toner with non-HP chips. We could not confirm it applies to the M402, but it is one more reason to hold firmware if you use non-HP toner.

Other printers that use HP 26A and 26X toner

HP LaserJet Pro M402dn · HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdw · HP LaserJet Pro MFP M426fdn

More HP ink guides: HP LaserJet Pro M201dw · HP LaserJet M209dw · HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M283fdw · find any printer

Replacing it? Our highest-rated alternatives

Sources

Ratings and prices were checked on October 7, 2026 and will change over time.

Need replacement HP toner cartridges? Shop HP toner cartridges at Castle Ink. Compatible, up to 70% less than OEM, and shipped the same day when you order by 4 PM ET.

Written and reviewed by — Founder of Castle Ink, 20+ years in the printer & imaging supplies industry.

Back to Printer Support